For the Dinos of the World
I haven’t seen Dino in many years.
He used to come in every day, always in one of his many hats, always smiling, always making someone laugh. If you’ve been around Table since the beginning, you probably know exactly who I’m talking about.
And lately? I can’t stop thinking about him.
I don’t know where he is now or how he’s doing. But I do know this: he belongs here. He always will. Dino reminded me what this place is all about. It’s not just about food (though y’all, he LOVED those waffles). It’s about people feeling seen. known. safe.
And that’s what we’re doing, every single day. For every Dino, and every person who walks through our doors carrying invisible stories and hoping someone will meet them with that good Table hug.
That’s the magic of Table. And that’s because of all of you.
You give. You volunteer. You share our story. You believe in the power of community, and you make sure no one has to eat alone.
Dino may not be here right now. But everything about Table–the way we welcome, give hugs, and love through good food and community– is because of him. And for him. And for every person like him.
And Dino if you are reading this, we would cry if you walked back through these doors.
Thank you for helping us keep Table open each day. Thank you for seeing the Dinos of the world. We couldn’t do it without you and we certainly would not want to.
P.S. If you’re thinking of someone who belongs at Table, invite them in. This place changes all of us. And I mean all of us.
First published on tableraleigh.org
